Sport Stance Trainer

ABSTRACT

A foot positioning aid is disclosed for guide proper positioning of a player&#39;s feet for a sport stance. The aid has two foot targets each with a top side, an underside, and a perimeter edge. The foot targets are separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface. A securement device on the underside of each of the foot targets is configured to removably retain the foot targets in a selected location on the playing surface during use. The player places their feet on the top sides, one on each of the foot targets during use.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/222,706, filed Jul. 2, 2009, and entitled “Batting Stance Trainer.” The entire contents of the prior filed provisional application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to foot positioning aids, and more particularly to a foot positioning aid to train a player in proper positioning for a sport stance.

2. Description of Related Art

At a young age, fundamentals of sports can be difficult to grasp. For example, in baseball, before learning how to swing, it is important for batters to first understand proper setup. One of the keys to the setup is a good batting stance with correct placement of the batter's feet within the batter's box. Spacing, alignment, orientation, and positioning of the batter's feet relative to home plate and to one another are each important components of the stance. Establishing the stance is critical to developing the batter's ability to contact and direct the ball into the playing field. Young batters, such as T-ball players, are often not able to consistently execute a proper setup and may need to be repositioned by a trainer, coach, or parent prior to each plate appearance or even each swing. Repositioning the batter takes extra time and may not improve the batter's skills.

Batting stance guides or trainers are known in the art. Some trainers utilize a platform anchored in the ground for securing and placement of a batter's back foot. These are primarily used during practice and for securing the batter's back foot in a fixed position. However, this would impede a batter from starting to run if used during a game. These prior known solutions can also have parts protruding well above the ground surface that may result in the device becoming dislodged and having to time and again replace and reset the device in the ground. The protruding parts of such devices can also create a tripping hazard, especially for younger players.

Other batting aids include unitary mats that employ fixed foot outlines for a batter to place both of their feet. The spacing of the outlines cannot be adjusted. Also, the mats may slide around, be unstable and/or slippery, and ultimately undesirable as a surface to use during a game. The mats can also be relatively bulky, heavy, and cumbersome to transport and store.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a foot positioning aid is disclosed to guide proper positioning of a player's feet for a sport stance. The aid has two foot targets. Each foot target has a top side, an underside, and a perimeter edge. The foot targets are separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface. A securement device on the underside of each of the foot targets removably retains the foot targets in a selected location on the playing surface during use. The player's feet are placed on the top sides, one on each of the foot targets during use.

In one example according to the invention, each of the foot targets can be a panel with a contiguous surface on the top side.

In one example according to the invention, each of the foot targets can have a hole therethrough from the top side to the underside and the securement device can include an elongate spike configured to extend through the hole and penetrate the playing surface.

In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include a spike integral with and protruding from the underside of the foot target and configured to penetrate the playing surface.

In one example according to the invention, the foot targets can be layered panels, each having a bottom layer of plastic exposed on the underside and a top layer of rubber exposed on the top side.

In one example according to the invention, each of the foot targets can have one or more countersunk holes therethrough.

In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include one or more coutersunk holes and one or more spikes. Each spike can have a head configured to seat in one of the countersunk holes such that the head is flush with or below a surface of the top side.

In one example according to the invention, each of the foot targets can have an open interior or large central opening within the perimeter edge. The opening can be sized and configured so that the player's feet contact the playing surface within the opening during use.

In one example according to the invention, the top side of each foot target can have a generally flat contiguous exposed surface.

In one example according to the invention, the perimeter edge of one foot target can form a left footprint shape and the perimeter edge of the other foot target can form the shape of a right footprint.

In one example according to the invention, the foot targets can each include a handle or grip extending therefrom to be grasped during removal from the playing surface and for carrying the foot targets.

In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include one or more golf tees.

In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include a friction enhancing or tacky layer on the underside.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a method of teaching proper foot placement for a sport stance includes providing two separate foot targets. Each target has an exposed top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge, and a securement device. Each foot target is positioned on a playing surface to indicate a desired foot positioning. The foot targets are secured on the playing surface by the securement devices. A player's feet are placed on the foot targets, one on each of the top sides to position the player's feet with the desired foot positioning.

In one example according to the invention, the step of securing the foot targets can include extending one or more spikes through holes in each of the foot targets and penetrating the playing surface.

In one example according to the invention, the step of securing the foot targets can include pushing a spike protruding integrally from the bottom side of each of the foot target into the playing surface.

In one example according to the invention, the step of positioning the foot targets can include positioning the foot targets in a baseball batter's box in a desired arrangement for a batting stance.

In one example according to the invention, the step of placing can include placing each of the player's feet on a contiguous top surface on the top side, one foot on each of the foot targets.

In one example according to the invention, the step of providing can include providing the foot targets with perimeter shapes such that one target mimics a left footprint and the other target mimics a right footprint.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a training aid is disclosed for guiding proper positioning of a batter's feet. The aid has two foot pads, each with a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of holes extending through the pad, and a perimeter edge. The two foot pads are separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface. Spikes are extendable from the top side through the pair of holes in each of the foot pads to penetrate the playing surface to removably fix each foot pad to the playing surface during use. The player's feet can be placed one on the top surface of each of the foot pads during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front, top, and side perspective view of one example of a foot positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the foot positioning aid shown in FIG. 1 as a batting stance training aid.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded top view of the foot positioning aid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of an alternate example of a foot positioning aid in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a cross-section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 of one of the foot targets.

FIG. 4B shows a similar cross section through the foot target of the aid shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5 shows a front, bottom, and side perspective view of another example of a foot target for a foot positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front, top, and side perspective view of another example of a foot target for a positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front, bottom, and side perspective view of another example of a foot target for a foot positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a top view of another example of a foot target for a foot positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows a rear, top, and side perspective view of the foot target shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows a side view of the foot target shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 9 shows a lengthwise cross-section of another example of a foot target for a foot positioning aid constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is directed to a sport stance trainer that solves or improves upon one or more of the above noted problems and/or disadvantages with prior art trainers. In general, the disclosed invention includes foot guides, pads, or targets for showing proper placement of a player's feet. In one example, the disclosed trainer is a batting stance trainer designed for coaches and/or parents to place the foot targets in a batter's box by home plate. The targets can be placed so as to provide a clear indication of where the player should place their feet and stand in order receive and hit a pitched ball. The disclosed trainer can optionally be used for other sports, such as golf, basketball, tennis, or the like that require proper feet placement to improve or play correctly. In one example, the disclosed trainer includes two separate foot-shaped targets or pads that can be readily and separately secured on a playing surface. The targets can be placed in the proper position relative to one another and can also be turned to a correct orientation to teach proper foot position and alternative positions for each foot in a given stance. Thus, the disclosed trainer can accommodate the particular needs of different players.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of a sport training aid 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the training aid 10 includes a pair of foot targets 12 that are separate and discrete from one another. In one example, each of the foot targets 12 can be identical to or a mirror image of the other. Thus, in this example and later described examples, only one of the foot targets 12 will be described in detail. As used herein, the term foot target can mean either the base or panel portion of the invention on which a user places their foot or the entire device inclusive of both the panel or base and the device used to secure the target in place. In general, the target 12 can be described as having a foot placement section 14 and a securement device 16. The foot placement section 14 is configured to provide a target that indicates where a particular player's feet should be placed for a particular sport stance. The securement device 16 is configured to help retain the foot target 12 in position once placed on a playing surface.

In one example, the training aid 10 can be used as a batting stance trainer as depicted in FIG. 2. The training aid 10 is a versatile instructional tool and can accommodate virtually any user and any sport stance. In this example, a home plate 18 is shown flanked by a right-handed and a left-handed batter's box 20 a, 20 b. As shown, two of the foot targets 12 are positioned in the right-handed batters box 20 a in one optional batting stance configuration. Two of the foot targets 12′ are also shown in phantom view in FIG. 2 in the right-handed batters box 20 a and in a second optional batting stance configuration. A coach or parent can place the training aid 10 in any desired location and in virtually any desired position and arrangement relative to one another to teach the most basic batting stance or much more difficult, optional, more sophisticated batting stances. A parent or a coach can similarly arrange the training aid 10 for other sports and other sport stances.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A, one example of the foot target 12 is illustrated that employs a separate foot placement section 14 and securement device 16. In this example, the foot placement section 14 is generally a flat, planar panel, pad, plate, or the like. The foot placement section 14 generally has a top side 22 that is exposed during use. The foot placement section 14 also has a bottom side 24 opposite the top side and has a thickness between a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 28 of the respective top and bottom sides. In this example, the foot placement section 14 is essentially a solid, contiguous structure whereby the top surface 26 and bottom surface 28 are contiguous surfaces. The foot placement section 14 also has a perimeter edge 30 defining a shape of the foot target 12. In one example, the perimeter edge 30 can define a left or right foot shape or footprint contour. During use, one of the targets 12 can be left foot shaped and the other target can be right foot shaped and can be placed to make it easier for the player to determine where to place their left and right feet. However, other shapes and configurations for the foot targets are certainly within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In this example, the securement device 16 is provided in the form of a pair of anchors, nails, spikes, or the like. In one example as illustrated, the securement 16 device can employ a pair of common, ordinary golf tees 32. As illustrated, a typical golf tee 32 has a stem 34 that comes to a point at one end and that has a tapered head 36 at the opposite end. A tapered head 36 generally has a chamfered surface 38 extending from the narrower stem 34 to the larger diameter head 36. In this example, the securement device 16 includes a pair of the golf tees 32. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to employ only a single spike, nail, golf tee, or the like or to employ more than two such devices in order to secure the foot placement section 14 on a playing surface during use.

The foot placement section 14 has a pair of through-holes 40, each configured to accommodate a respective one of the golf tees 32. Each of the holes 40 has a countersink 42 at the entry on the top side 22. As shown in FIG. 4A, the chamfered surface 38 and the head 36 of the golf tee 32 seat within the countersink 42, placing the head of the golf tee flush with the top surface 26 when inserted through the holes 40. In this example, the foot targets 12 are intended for use on a playing surface where the securement device 16 can be staked into the playing surface. Thus, this example of the training aid 10 is particularly useful for training baseball players, golfers, soccer players, and the like where such sports are typically played on a dirt or natural grass field or playing surface.

FIGS. 3B and 4B illustrate another example of a foot target 50 employing a similar foot placement section 52 and an alternate type of spike. In this example, the spike is in the form of a conventional nail 54. The foot placement section 52 is provided with three holes 56 and three nails 54 in this example, and each hole has a square countersink 58 instead of a tapered countersink as in the prior example. The countersink 58 in this example can accommodate a generally flat, squared off head 60 of the nails 54 so that the head is again flush with a top surface 62 of the foot placement section 52. Otherwise, the foot target 50 functions in the same manner as the previously described foot target 12. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, numerous features of the foot targets disclosed and described herein can vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Each of the foot targets 12 and 50 also employs a layered foot placement section 14 and 52, respectively. Each of the foot targets 12 and 50 has a lower base layer or support layer 70 that can be formed of a substantially rigid material such as resilient plastic, metal, wood, or the like. Each of the foot targets 12 and 50 also has an upper layer 72 that can be applied to the lower layer 70 by use of an adhesive, a direct molding, in-molding, or heat welding technique, or other suitable means. However, in this example the upper layer 72 can be formed of a softer, more tacky material and can be utilized to form a cushion for the player's feet and/or a non-slip gripping surface to increase friction between the foot targets and the player's feet during use. The upper layer 72 can be formed from virtually any suitable material such as rubber, foamed rubber, or the like. In an alternative example, the foot placement sections 14 and 52 can be single layer, unitary structures. A surface texture can be applied to the top surfaces 26 and 62, if desired, in order to increase the grip, non-slip, or friction characteristics during use.

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative example of a foot target 80 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the entire foot target 80 inclusive of a foot placement section 82 and a securement device 84 is molded or otherwise formed as a complete integral structure. The foot placement section 82 in this example is formed as a generally planar pad or panel. The securement device 84 is formed as a pointed spike 86 that projects from the underside or bottom side 88 of the target 80.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a foot target 90 that is radically different from any of the previously described foot targets. In this example, the foot target 90 has a foot placement section 92 with a top side 94, a bottom side 96, and a perimeter edge 98. The perimeter edge 98 is carried on a ring 100 that defines the perimeter edge 98 and that forms an open interior or central opening 102 within the ring. The central opening 102 in this example can be sized to surround an entire foot of a player. During use, the foot target 90 can be placed on the playing surface and a user can place their foot in the central opening 102 within the ring 100 and directly on the playing surface. However, the foot target 90 still provides a training aid function as it indicates where the player should place their foot. The foot target 90 in this example also has a securement device 104 projecting from the bottom side 96. In this example, the securement device 104 is in the form of a plurality of integral spikes 106 projecting downward from the bottom side 96 on the ring 100. This size, shape, configuration, number, and the spacing of the spikes 106 can vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention, depending upon the type of playing surface on which the foot targets are to be used.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a foot target 110 with a foot placement section 111 having a perimeter edge 112 and a bottom side 114. In this example, the securement device 116 is provided in the form of a plurality of circular, plastic golf shoe-type spikes 118. In this example, the foot target 110 can be placed on the ground and the spikes 118 will help retain it in position during use. The top side (not shown) can include layers or surface features as described above.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate yet another example of a foot target 120 with a foot placement section 121 having a top side 122, an opposite bottom side 124, and a perimeter edge 126. In this example, a securement device 128 is provided in the form of one or more angled spikes 130. The spikes 130 in this example can either be integrally formed as a part of the foot placement section 121 or provided as separate components attachable to the foot placement section. In this example, the foot target 120 has a pair of the spikes 130, each of which is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the underside or bottom side 124. In the prior examples, the spikes, nails, or golf tees are generally oriented normal or perpendicular to the foot placement sections. By orienting the securement device or spikes 130 at an angle, it may be easier for a user to withdraw the foot target 120 and thus the spikes 130 from the ground or playing surface. With that in mind, a handle or grip 132 is also provided extending from a heel end 134 of the foot target 120 in this example. A user can grab hold of the grip 132 and pull the foot target 120 in the direction of the grip, withdrawing the spikes 130 from the playing surface or ground. The spikes 130 are angled in a direction away from the grip 132 in this example, making withdrawal of the spikes and removal of the foot target easier.

FIG. 9 illustrates still another example of a foot target 140 in the form of a multi-layered panel. In this example, the foot target 140 has a central, generally rigid layer 142 that can be formed of plastic, metal, wood, or the like. As with the first two embodiments described herein, the foot target 140 can also include an upper layer 144 that provides a cushion and/or a fiction enhancing, non-slip, or tacky surface 146 on the top side of the foot target to improve traction for the player's feet. In this example, the foot target 140 also has a bottom layer 146 which can also be formed of a material with a tacky, non-slip, friction enhancing characteristic. The foot target 140 in this example is intended for use indoors on a relatively smooth floor or court. It is well known that baseball players and other athletes often train indoors during foul weather. Additionally, some sports such as basketball or volleyball are played indoors on a hardwood floor. The foot target 140 can be utilized as part of a training aid on such a surface. The foot target 140 can be placed on the surface with the tacky or grippy bottom layer 146 against the floor. The bottom layer 146 will aid in keeping the foot target 140 in place during use.

In one example, the foot targets 12 and 50 can be used either indoors on a gym floor or outdoors on a turf or natural grass field. For outdoor use on a natural surface, the spikes or golf tees 32 can be utilized to secure the foot targets in place on the playing surface. For indoor use or use on a court, gym floor, or artificial surface, the foot targets can be used without the spikes 32 and flipped over. The top side 22 with the non-slip or tacky surface 26 of the upper layer 72 can be placed against the playing surface and the bottom side 24 can be exposed and used for foot placement. Thus, the sport training aids disclosed and described herein can be designed with versatility in mind as well.

As will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, the foot positioning aids disclosed and described herein can vary from the examples shown and described herein. The securement devices can have a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from many different materials such as wood, plastic, stainless steel, or the like. The materials for the aids can be chosen for corrosion resistance, durability, cost reduction, disposability, and/or the like. The spikes or other securement devices can be such that they can be anchored by hand, anchored using a hammer or other such tool, or include threads to be anchored by twisting or rotating the devices in to the playing surface. The pads or targets can vary in shape, color, and contour. In addition, a third foot target or additional targets can be used in addition to the left and right foot targets in order to show where to step during the batter's swing or during subsequent movement from an initial stance. In another example, the top surface of each target could include turf and provide a consistent surface when used on turf ground surfaces. In yet another example, the foot targets can be constructed with integral, in-molded, or co-molded rubber and metal spikes. The foot target can be formed and structured so as to be capable of being folded or rolled up to a compact, stowable, portable size as well.

The securement devices can be such that the foot targets are useful on a variety of natural (grass, dirt) or synthetic (artificial turf) surfaces as well as on indoor (gym floor) and outdoor (hard court) surfaces. Also, the securement devices can be such that a user can easily remove and replace the foot targets during use to sequentially accommodate a number of players with differing stance requirements. This can allow the coach or parent to quickly and easily change the position of the foot targets on the go for the needs of subsequent players.

Although certain foot positioning aids have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents. 

1. A foot positioning aid to guide proper positioning of a player's feet for a sport stance, the foot positioning aid comprising: two foot targets each having a top side, an underside, and a perimeter edge, the foot targets being separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface; and a securement device associated with the underside of each of the foot targets configured to removably retain the foot targets in a selected location on the playing surface during use, wherein the player's feet are placed on the top sides, one foot on each of the foot targets during use.
 2. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein each of the foot targets is a panel with a contiguous surface on the top side.
 3. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein each of the foot targets has a hole therethrough from the top side to the underside and wherein the securement device includes an elongate spike configured to extend through the hole and penetrate the playing surface.
 4. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the securement device includes a spike integral with and protruding from the underside of the foot target and configured to penetrate the playing surface.
 5. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the foot targets are layered panels, each having a bottom layer of plastic exposed on the underside and a top layer of rubber exposed on the top side.
 6. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein each of the foot targets has one or more countersunk holes therethrough.
 7. A foot positioning aid according to claim 6, wherein the securement device includes one or more spikes, each with a tapered head configured to seat in one of the countersunk holes such that a top of the head is flush with or below a surface of the top side.
 8. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein each of the foot targets has an open interior within the perimeter edge and is configured so that the player's feet contact the playing surface within the open interior during use.
 9. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the top sides each have a generally flat contiguous exposed top surface.
 10. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge of one foot target forms the shape of a left foot and the perimeter edge of the other foot target forms the shape of a right foot.
 11. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the foot targets each include a grip extending therefrom to be grasped during removal from the playing surface and for carrying the foot targets.
 12. A foot positioning aid according to claim 1, wherein the securement device includes one or more golf tees.
 13. A foot positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the securement device includes a friction enhancing or tacky layer exposed on the underside.
 14. A method of teaching proper foot placement for a sport stance, the method comprising the steps of: (A) providing two separate foot targets each having an exposed top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge, and a securement device; (B) positioning each foot target on a playing surface to indicate a desired foot positioning; (C) securing the foot targets on the playing surface by the securement devices; and (D) placing a player's feet on the foot targets, one foot on each of the top sides to position the player's feet in the desired foot positioning.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of securing further includes extending one or more spikes through holes in each of the foot targets and penetrating the playing surface.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of securing further includes pushing a spike protruding integrally from the bottom side of each of the foot targets into the playing surface.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of positioning further includes positioning the foot targets in a baseball batter's box in a desired arrangement for a batting stance.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of placing further includes placing the player's feet on a contiguous top surface on the top side, one foot on each of the foot targets.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing further includes providing the foot targets with perimeter edges shaped such that one foot target mimics a left footprint and the other foot target mimics a right footprint.
 20. A training aid to guide positioning of a batter's feet for a proper batting stance, the training aid comprising: two foot pads each having a top surface, an underside surface, a pair of holes extending through the pad, and a perimeter edge, the pair of foot pads separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface; and spikes extendable from the top surface through the pair holes in each of the foot pads to penetrate the playing surface to removably fix each foot pad to the playing surface during use, wherein the player's feet can be placed one foot on the top surface of each of the foot pads during use. 